iPhone Duo vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: Side-by-Side First Look

Quick summary: YouTuber The Tech Chap posted an Instagram video comparing the iPhone Duo with the iPhone 18 Pro Max side by side, and I had to react. The animations look buttery, and the size differences are dramatic in both directions.

Key takeaways

• Animations look super smooth on both phones.
• Unfolded, the Duo is just 5.2mm thick vs 8.8mm for the 18 Pro Max. Folded, it’s 11.3mm.
• The 18 Pro Max’s 6.9-inch display covers only about two-thirds of the Duo’s unfolded screen.
• Weight: 254g for the Duo vs 249g for the Pro Max.
• The Duo uses a hole-punch camera, while the Pro Max has the Dynamic Island.

Buttery animations

The first thing I noticed was how smooth both phones look swiping around. On Android, Pixel and OnePlus have buttery animations, and Samsung is responsive in its own way. The Duo looks really buttery, and I love me some butter.

Thickness: give and take

Wide open, the Duo is noticeably thinner than the 18 Pro Max. The Pro Max looks fat next to it. Closed, the Duo is thicker at 11.3mm. It’s also thicker than the Galaxy Z Fold 8, open or closed.

Display size

The 18 Pro Max’s 6.9-inch display is big, but it covers only about two-thirds of the Duo’s unfolded panel. That extra space is great for videos, multitasking and spreadsheets. Wide foldables make spreadsheets awesome, and on a tri-fold it’s like a real computer screen.

Weight, cutouts and buttons

They’re only five grams apart: 254g vs 249g. The Duo uses a standard hole-punch camera in the top right, instead of the Pro Max’s pill-shaped Dynamic Island. On my dummy unit, the power button is on top. I’m not sure it’s as comfortable as a side button, but it might be the next best thing.

Shared design language

Both have very thin, uniform bezels, flat back plates and identical-looking camera lenses. You can tell they come from the same company.

Why I’m giving it a real shot

I’ve been an Android guy since around the iPhone 5. I got bored of iPhones around the 4 and 5, and Android changed my life. This whole channel exists because of it. But the Duo makes me want to try it as my main phone and see if it hooks me. What’s hooking you about the iPhone Duo?

Accessories

• Cases: BENKS, dbrand
• Grips: OhSnap Snap Grip, PopSockets Low-Pro and Kick-Out